18 paddlers took part in what was to be an awesome trip. The Reservists were Lt Col Kev Halus (HQ 107 (U) Bde), 2lt Rob "young boy" Hoey (CUOTC), Cpl "Corky" Corkin, L/Cpl "Jarvey" McKernan (both from 253 NI Fd Amb (V), all TA. And of course no expedition would be complete without the "old man" SAC Andy Davey (2625 Sqn RAuxAF). Rob and Andy were acting as river leaders, Kev was the experienced alpine paddler with a great swimming stroke, while Corky and Jarvey were the new boys who were going to soon find out that the rivers here are just a wee bit more powerful than the River Bann back home in Northern Ireland!

After the usual long drive and the setting up of our camp, the crew took a break before getting down to business. Day 1 consisted of a full days White Water Safety& Rescue Training where all participants honed their rescue skills. These skills would be put into practice quite few times in the next 2 1/2 weeks!

Jarvey and Corky went into the alpine novice group. Although Corky struggled with the conditions, he hung in there and paddled what he could. He also acted as expedition medic and photographer. Jarvey paddled every river put in front of him, most of the time with a look of sheer terror on his face, but by the end was comfortable on grade 3+ alpine water. Rob and Andy both took turns to lead groups and go run rivers with the "big boys". Both seasoned expedition paddlers they were both at home in these conditions. Kev, well Kev is Kev. Some rivers he paddled well and others, well, he paddled, swam, got beat up on, etc. But he always came out smiling!

With such a good winter for snow, levels were fantastic on all rivers and provided a veritable roller coaster ride that tested nerve and skill to the limit. The weather was fantastic and with the foresight to bring a dedicated chef, the food excellent. All too soon the expedition drew to a close. Without exception everyone thought it was a fantastic trip that must be repeated possibly in the Pyrenees or Italian/French Alps next year. Step forward Captain Tom Ash!!!

Everyone said their goodbyes at Dover with many new friends made. A good trip, good crew and the "craic" mighty, you can’t ask for more from an expedition than that!

KF Halus  Lt Col  Expedition Leader